WO1990000273A1 - Device for inputting control data in a cnc machine-tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for inputting control data in a CNC machine-tool has a screen (14) on which data are displayed and an input device with which an operator can input data, including commands, in order to select and control programmed machine functions. The input device has a touch-sensitive contact field (30) which allows a pointer (34) to be moved on the screen (14).

Description

 - 4 -

Device for entering control data in a

CNC machine tool

The invention relates to a device for entering control data in a CNC machine tool with a screen from which data is displayed and with an input device with which an operator can enter data including commands in order to select and control programmed machine functions.

CNC machine tools are computer-aided numerically controlled machines for machining workpieces, in particular made of metal.

The input device provided according to the invention forms part of an operating console of a CNC machine tool, in which a data processing system is integrated. The control panel is used to control the machine tool by means of the data processing system, the operator entering data, in particular commands, via the control panel into the data processing system in order to call up the machine tool and the article to be manufactured in accordance with programs stored there in advance and optimally adapted controls of the machine tool to run automatically, or to carry out simple programming - 2 -

Such methods for controlling a CNC machine tool are known from European Patent 44 192 and European Patent Application 87 115 015.7. Since the operator interacts via a control panel with the data processing system controlling the machine tool, such controls are also called “interactive”. Compared to conventional devices for controlling a CNC machine tool, such interactive controls have the advantage that the operator does not have a detailed coding of the program for who must manufacture the article, but can enter symbolically coded data with regard to the shape of the article to be manufactured by machining, which data is evaluated by the data processing system and converted into control commands for the operation of the machine tool.

A graphic-interactive programming system in the above sense makes the operation of a CNC machine tool considerably easier. While in conventional arrangements the NC program must be entered sentence for sentence and word for word in a certain program language, this is now superfluous since the user has a dialog with the data processing system with the help of clear symbols and representations on the screen can, which calls up programs and control data automatically stored in advance in accordance with the data or commands entered by the operator in the course of the dialog on the basis of corresponding question settings in order to operate the machine tool fully automatically. In addition, the user can optionally carry out simple programming.

The invention relates to an input device with which such a dialog can be carried out. In data processing technology, it is known to use pointers (so-called cursors) to support a dialog between the user and the data processing system. The pointer is moved by the user on a graphic image and the position to which the pointer is moved e speaks data or commands from the user. The invention uses such a dialog technique by means of a pointer (cursor).

A method is known from European Patent 87 944 with which graphic data can be input into the data processing system of a CNC machine tool using a so-called mouse or a light pen.

In the control panel of the generic type for a CNC machine tool, a screen is provided on which the data processing system gives the operator the necessary information, asks questions and / or offers selection options in the course of the dialog. If the dialog is to be conducted on the part of the user by means of a pointer, an input device must be provided with which the pointer can be moved on the screen. Various means are known for this in data processing technology, in particular keys, so-called joy sticks or also so-called touch panels (contact fields which can be actuated by hand), in which data or commands are addressed (activated) by finger contact with the contact field. It is also known to input data into a computer via a screen itself using a stylus or the finger.

A so-called touch panel (contact field) is known from DE-OS 34 03 440. There the speed of the displacement of a cursor depends on the size of the force which acts on the contact field. Four detectors are positioned on the sides of the contact field. Although the force with which the sensors are acted upon increases with the speed of the finger movement, the resolution of the movement of the cursor on the screen does not change, ie the increments of the movement of the cursor are not dependent on the speed of the Finger movement. This requires a relatively large contact area in relation to the screen. The invention has for its object to provide a control panel for a CNC machine tool of the type mentioned, which enables a simple and reliable dialogue between the operator and the machine tool.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that an input device for moving a pointer on the screen of the control panel has a contact field (touch panel) which is arranged on the control panel and can be actuated by means of a finger. It is provided according to the invention that the resolution of the movement of the pointer on the screen is dependent on the speed of the movement of the finger on the contact field. This has the advantage that a relatively small contact field can be used with a relatively large screen, which is less susceptible to faults and can be clearly integrated into the control panel.

The invention therefore provides that the resolution of the movement of the cursor on the screen is made dependent on the speed of movement of the finger on the contact field, i.e. the increments of the movement of the pointer on the screen who varies depending on the speed of the finger movement. If the user moves his finger very quickly over the contact field, the cursor "jumps" across the screen with relatively large steps, while the cursor steps are relatively small when the finger is moving at a low speed. The contact field (sensor field) according to the invention has a predetermined, finite resolution.

According to the invention, the resolution of the contact field (sensor field) is predetermined and finite, while the resolution of the movement of the pointer (cursor) on the screen is variably adjusted.

The contact field is preferably designed in such a way that it is covered by a protective film and the sensors are acted upon through this film. The invention thus enables the principle of data input, known as such, to be used by means of a contact field in machine-integrated controls in manufacturing plants and in workshop operation. The control works reliably even under extreme external conditions (dirt, rough handling, etc.).

This functional reliability is promoted in a preferred embodiment of the invention in that an elastic film not only covers the contact field, but also integrally the adjacent operating elements, such as switches, keys and other elements for entering information into the machine control.

The invention is based on the knowledge that a contact field which can be actuated by finger touch is superior to other means for moving a pointer (cursor) in the rough workshop operation of a CNC machine tool. The use of the pointer itself for the dialogue has also proven to be particularly suitable compared to other dialog technologies than for the control of CNC machine tools.

In the dialog between the user and the DVA, a so-called tree structure with so-called "top-down" technology is used, ie the dialog is structured in such a way that the exchange of information between the DVA and the user goes from the general to the special. Starting from a so-called main menu, branches are provided, each of which is controlled by dependent key functions. In the course of the development of the dialog, corresponding “selection windows” and “input windows” become visible on the screen. The selection options and / or input data are defined in the windows. To select a specific "branch" in the tree-structured dialog, the user moves the pointer on the screen and, depending on the position of the pointer, a predetermined branch is selected within the main menu and an associated window is displayed. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 is a control panel for a CNC machine tool,

2 shows an essential section of the control panel according to FIG. 1,

3 shows a screen layout,

4a and 4b an example of a window display,

5 shows an example of an overall screen representation, and

Fig. 6 shows a section through an input device.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment for a complete control panel 10 of a CNC machine tool. The various operating states of the machine and a possible manual operation are switched on and off by the so-called machine control panel 12. The machine control panel 12 (ie the area surrounded by the dashed line) is of no interest in connection with the invention.

A screen 14 is integrated in the control panel 10 at the top left. Data is shown in color on the screen 14. The screen 14 is used for dialogue between the operator and the data processing system of the machine tool.

First, the individual elements of the control panel 10 will be explained. For this purpose, the elements belonging to the machine control panel 12 have been omitted in FIG. 2 and only those that are of interest here are shown. - 7 -

The control panel 16 for the computer-aided numerical control (NC control panel) has a letter keyboard 18 on an input key 20. Letters and special characters can be entered using the keyboard. Also, certain input fields 22 within the screen 14 can also be selected with the keyboard 18, which is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Above the keyboard 18, a screen operating mode keyboard 24 is arranged, with which a change to an operating mode of the machine and its representation on the screen can be activated.

A so-called softkey keyboard 26 (touch keyboard) is arranged above the screen operating mode keyboard 24, with which the individual possible actions are initiated which are displayed on the screen 14 (above the screen operating mode button 24). With a selected softkey w the dialog between the operator and the DVA is controlled within a main menu.

To the right of the softkey keyboard 26, an emgabesch ter 28 is also arranged. This switch is connected in parallel to the input key 22.

A contact field 30 is integrated in the control panel 10 adjacent to the screen 14. The contact field is known as such, and it can be used to input location information into the DVA by means of a finger movement on its surface. According to the invention, the contact field 30 serves to move a pointer 34 on the screen 14. The operator thus controls the pointer 34 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 into different positions (for example from the position 34 'into the position 34 according to FIG. 2) and in this way at least partially dialogues with the DVA. To move the pointer (cursor) 34, the operator moves a finger 32 according to FIG. 2 in the direction, for example, of the arrow P and - 8th -

Pointer 34 follows on screen 14 analogously. The sensor system of the contact field 30 is known as such (see the TOUCH PAD KEYBOAD product from the company "Key-Tro Spokane, WA., USA).

In addition to the contact field 30 for moving the pointer 34, two further activation switches 36 are provided below the contact field 30. Thus, the movement switch 36, the input key 20 and the input switch 28 have the same functions and can be operated optionally by the operator.

The contact field is integrated into the control panel 10 so that the operator can only conduct the dialog in a convenient manner with the aid of the finger. The alternative means of moving the pointer 34 serve only as a replacement for the finger movement.

In addition to the movement of the pointer 34, freely selectable geometric shapes can also be represented on the screen 14 with the aid of the contact field 30.

At the top right next to the screen 14, two menu control buttons 38 are also arranged, with which a bar can be moved in a function line to be described further below in order to select other functions.

A selection button 40 is arranged below the menu control buttons 38, with which a specific sub-program (e.g. "delete") can be selected.

To the right of the keyboard 18 there is also a graphical-numerical keypad 42 for entering graphic or numerical data.

As an addition or alternative to the contact field 30 (for example in the event of a defect in the same), there are also two pointer movement keyboards 4 46 arranged in the control panel 10. A separate key is provided for each direction of movement of the pointer 34, the direction of movement being indicated by an arrow on the key. In order to achieve a high level of operating convenience, the pointer movement keyboards 44, 46 are each arranged both in the upper area of the control panel 10, ie adjacent to the screen 14, and in the lower area, ie adjacent to the contact field 30. The actuation of the pointer movement keys 44 and 46 thus has the same function as the movement of a finger 32 on the contact field 30.

The division and representation of the screen 14 for dialog guidance is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

3, the screen 14 has the following rough classification: A function line 50 identifies the so-called main menu. All available functions are shown here. The function that is currently activated is shown, for example, in a different color (see FIG. 5, where the function "geometry" is selected). In the case of a CNC lathe, these functions can be, for example, the finished blank dimensions of a workpiece.

A status line 52 is arranged under the function line 50, in which the dialog hierarchy that goes from general to special is reflected. The display on the screen 14 thus has a so-called top-down tree structure. If, for example, "Geometry" was selected as the main menu in the function line 50 (see FIG. 5), the work piece properties, raw part geometry, finished part geometry, material, etc. follow in the status line 5.

The left half of the main field of the screen 14 is occupied by an information area 54. The entries are made visible in the information area 54. this happens either alphanumerically or graphically using pictograms. This area represents the so-called main picture, which according to FIG. 5 can also take up the entire screen area. In addition to the information area 54, a window area 56 according to FIG. 3 is provided. The window area 56 is only activated in certain dialog situations, for example in order to indicate certain alternatives to the operator (this is also referred to as "window opening" in data processing technology). A window opened in this way has three possible functions: can it serve as an input window according to FIG. 4a _? it can serve as a selection window according to FIG. 4b or can also serve as a representation of a section of another main field (see FIG. 5).

The window 56 can be selected by one of the pointer movement keyboards 44, 46. However, contact field 30 is also preferably used for this purpose.

The size of the window area 56 is variable, it can occupy the screen page that is not currently activated (the right side in the figures) or also occupy the entire image width of the screen 14, the height of which is limited by the status line 52 and the error area 58 .

In error area 58, operating errors are shown in plain text.

Softkey keys are arranged in a softkey bar 60 below the error area 58, which is formed as a line. Functions selected with the softkey keyboard 26 are shown in the softkey bar 60.

4a shows a special input window 56a within the window area 56. To explain the input command generated in each case, the NC record format is shown in plain text form 62 ("straight line in rapid traverse"). In the example shown - 11 -

the tool carrier slide is moved to a desired destination at the maximum possible speed. This instruction is characterized by additional conditions in the form of VOIJ letters 64, which form the corresponding word addresses. In a graphics area 66, the entire process is clearly illustrated by pictograms. An input field 68 is provided for each word address 64. A corresponding input field can be selected using the contact field 30 as well as using the pointer movement keyboards 44, 46. The desired input is identified by means of a colored bar 70. In the examples shown, the entry (100) of the target point is in the X. -Axis selected where (U: from start to finish point on the X axis).

For example, roughing cycles 72 are lined up in the selection window 56b (FIG. 4b), from which then e.g. a cycle G70 can be selected. The associated additional conditions are shown in the lower part of the picture (G14-G18).

The type of processing is also preferably selected using the contact field 30.

As explained above, the window area 56 has a third function, namely to display the section of a main picture. Main pictures are shown in sections because no main picture fits into the window area 56 in a legible manner. Smaller function groups are therefore defined for each main picture, i.e. Parts of a screen display are meaningfully summarized and named. These terms then appear in the window area 56 in the form of a list after the operator has entered the main picture. The desired term is then selected and activated in this list (by means of the pointer 34), after which this partial section appears in the window area 56

In the window area 56, a complete, that is to say reduced, main image can also be displayed, over which a frame is moved (see Fig. 5). This displacement of the frame can also take place by means of the contact field 30 or the movement keyboards 44, 46. If the desired image section has been localized by means of the frame, an enlargement and corresponding display on the screen 14 takes place. The selection of an additional image takes place by pressing the selection button 40 the desired picture term can be selected.

6 shows a section through an input device including the contact field 30.

An elastic film 80 made of elastic material protecting against moisture and dirt covers both the contact field 30 and all adjacent operating elements. The film 80 is continuous, it has no gaps, recesses or the like through which dirt, moisture or the like can penetrate to the operating elements located under the film. Symbols are printed on the foil at the assigned top, which symbolize the operating elements below, e.g. correspond to the buttons, switches and the contact field. With regard to the contact field, directional arrows (see FIG. 2) are printed which give the user the direction of movement of the finger.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the fol 80 is removed from a fixed plate 82 e.g. Aluminum supported. the plate 80 recesses are provided in which the Ee serving elements, such as the contact pad 30, the switch and button are arranged. In Fig. 6 only the contact field 30 u a switch 90 are shown.

The contact field 30 is positi ned by means of a carrier 34 in the Äusne statement in the fixed plate 82 directly under the film 80. The actual sensors 94 of the contact field 30 lie - 13 -

so under the slide. If the user presses the film at a certain point in the contact field 30, the sensors lying underneath respond and generate a corresponding signal. This is known as such in the prior art (see above). A printed circuit board 92 'is fastened under the contact field by means of an elastic support 86. The circuit board 92 'carries a plug 88.

Under the film 80 in a further recess in the plate 82, a switch 90, which can also be actuated by pressure, is arranged as a representative of the above-mentioned operating elements (button, etc.) and also transmits signals to the data processing system via a printed circuit board.

In the embodiment described above, the Fo 80 is elastic. It is also possible to make the film 80 rigid, since there are sufficiently sensitive sensors available today. For example, it is also possible to choose a rigid cover made of aluminum instead of an elastic film 80, under which a multiplicity of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a matrix-like manner, which convert local pressure exerted on the plate into an electrical signal.

If the user moves his finger over the contact field 30 (g according to FIG. 6), the sensors 94 underneath deliver electrical signals in succession. In one embodiment of the invention, the resolution of the input device depends on the speed of the finger movement. The speed of the finger movement is measurable, although the time that elapses between the actuation of adjacent sensors is measured. The faster the finger is moved over the contact field 30, the coarser the increment of the movement of the pointer is selected, that is to say the input device has a coarse resolution when the finger speed is fast, while the increments d movement of the pointer are chosen to be relatively small at slow finger speed, so that a high resolution. With this setting of the resolution of the input device, it is possible to make the contact field 30 relatively small in comparison with the screen.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the contact field 30 was actuated directly by means of a finger. The term "finger" is to be understood literally as well as generalizing in the sense of the invention, i.e. In the simplest and preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact field 30 is actuated directly with the human finger. However, it is also possible to take a suitable object in your hand and use it as a "finger".

Claims

Expectations 1. Device for entering control data in a CNC machine tool with a screen (14) on which data is displayed, and with an input device with which an operator can enter data including commands to select and control programmed machine function, characterized that the input device for moving a pointer (34) on the screen (14) has a contact field (30) which can be actuated by a finger, and that the resolution of the movement of the pointer on the screen depends on the speed of the movement of the finger on the contact field ( 30) is. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device for moving the pointer (34) additionally has manually operable keys (44, 46). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that both adjacent to the screen (14) and adjacent to the contact field (30) manually operable keys (44, 46) are arranged to move the pointer (34). -46- 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact field (30) is arranged adjacent to the screen (14). 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a film (80) is provided which covers the entire contact field (30) and adjacent input devices 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the film (80) is elastic. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction of movement of the pointer (34) on the screen (14) is synchronized in time and place with the movement of the finger via the contact field (30).